Lions' late rally falls short versus visiting Cavaliers
The Mars Hill men’s basketball team (3-11, 0-6 SAC) was defeated in dramatic fashion by UVA Wise (9-6, 2-4 SAC) by a score of 68-66.
MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill men's basketball team (3-11, 0-6 SAC) was defeated in dramatic fashion by UVA Wise (9-6, 2-4 SAC) by a score of 68-66.
UVA Wise held a 36-27 edge after the first 20 minutes of play, shooting 54 percent from the floor. Luke Lawson accounted for 17 of the team's points, going 7-of-9 from the floor and hitting three three-pointers. He also collected a team-high five rebounds.
The Lions were led offensively by the trio of Jackson Reid, Isaiah Jones, and Prosper Obidiebube, each netting six points in the half. Jones led the Lions with five rebounds in the frame.
Despite outscoring the Cavaliers 39-32 in the second half, Mars Hill was unable to complete the comeback bid in the final 20 minutes of play. With under four minutes to play, the Lions kicked off a rally that ultimately tied the game at 64 with 33 seconds to play off of a Jones' three-pointer.
UVA Wise would capitalize on their free throw attempts and forced an errant pass by the Lions with three seconds to play, clinging on to the victory.
Jones led the Lions with 18 points in the half, going 6-of-9 from the floor and hitting three of four three pointers. Kory Davis added eight points for Mars Hill. Lawson led the Cavaliers with 13 points in the half.
Lawson led all players with 30 points on the night, adding seven rebounds. Bradley Dean netted 10 for the Cavaliers.
Jones' 24 paced the Lions offense and he also led the team with nine rebounds. Reid ended the night with 13 points followed by Davis' 10.
Mars Hill takes on Limestone on the road on Saturday, January 14. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
